It is with deep sadness that we share news of the homegoing of our beloved Amelia Louise Swain-Alford, who passed away on May 14, 2021, at the age of 97.
Louise Alford was born in Clearview, Oklahoma on November 30, 1923 to Lloyd V. and Rosie Swain. She attended Clearview Elementary School and graduated from Clearview High School. She enrolled at Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1945.
At 22 years old, she was assigned to her first teaching job in 1945 at Waurika Elementary School in Waurika, Oklahoma. She went on to teach at Davis Elementary School, Tullahassee Elementary, Bartlesville Elementary, IXL, Slick and Tulsa Dunbar Elementary Schools. After integration, she accepted her final teaching assignment at Mark Twain Elementary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She remained there until she retired in 1984 after 39 years of service in her profession.
Her classroom management skills were unsurpassed. Her colleagues often sought her out for advice on classroom management. She willingly advised and mentored her fellow teachers whenever and wherever she could. Louise is considered by many to be a trailblazer in her profession. She entered the profession during an era when African American teachers faced challenges and circumstances unparallel to their white counterparts. She graciously accepted the challenges and overcame the circumstances. Former Tulsa educator Amelia Louise Swain-Alford was inducted into the Oklahoma African American Educators, Inc. Hall of Fame on September 28, 2018.
She continued to be an integral part of her community post retirement. In 1981, she and her (late) husband, Romeo Alford, Sr. founded the Clearview Rodeo. Their goal was to revitalize the community and bring former and current residents together in an annual event. The rodeo continues to be a major draw for visitors to join with residents and promote the town of Clearview. Mrs. Alford served as the business manager and worked diligently each year to ensure the success of the rodeo.
Louise was a member of Flipper A.M.E. Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she has served in various capacities during her 60-year membership. Some of her duties included secretary, treasurer, trustee, choir leader, and Sunday School Teacher. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Omega Chapter #106.
On December 31, 1951, she married Romeo J. Alford, Sr. The two shared 47 years of marriage. To their union was born a son, Romeo J. Alford. Jr. The mother and son duo shared a loving and inseparable bond. She lived with her son and daughter-in-law Brenda in later years as her health began to fail. The two cared for her tirelessly until Romeo Jr.’s passing in February. Brenda and granddaughter Jordan Louise, continued to care for her until he homegoing on May 14, 2021.
Louise was welcomed into heavens gates by her husband Romeo J. Alford, Sr and son Romeo J. Alford, Jr. Left cherishing her memory are her daughter-in-love, Brenda Nails-Alford; precious granddaughter, Jordan Louise Alford; sister-in-law, Violet Alford-Patterson; stepson and grandsons close to her heart, Kenneth Alford, Marquiz Alford (Sheryka) and Sterling Alford (Melissa); two great-grandsons; a great-granddaughter; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Please continue to keep the family in prayer during this difficult season.
Funeral service information is shared below:
Visitation:
Thursday, May 20, 2021
12:00pm – 2:00pm – Immediate Family
2:00pm – 8:00pm - Public
Jacks Memory Chapel
801 E 36th Street North
Tulsa, OK 74106
(918) 428-4431
Funeral Services:
Friday, May 21, 2021
11:00am
Clearview Community Center
111 Douglas Ave
Clearview, OK 74880
Internment:
Friday, immediately following the services
Clearview Cemetery
Okfuskee County, OK 74880
Amelia Louise Swain-Alford, is the wife of Romeo J. Alford, Sr.; who is the son of Wesley Dow Alford & Emily Dunlap Alford; and Grandson of Matthew Solomon Alford.